Where can you see worms, learn about compost, take part in recycling-themed crafts and music activities, and groove to the band Trashcan Joe, who plays on unique instruments made from repurposed objects - all in one place? At the Recycling and Sustainability Fair at the Cedar Mill Farmers’ Market on Saturday, June 7, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This event is produced by Girl Scout Troop 40643, nine 7th graders from the Beaverton area who are earning their Silver Award by educating and entertaining the community about recycling and composting. The Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette (girls in 6th through 8th grade) can earn, and recognizes that the Cadette is leader who is organized, determined and dedicated to improving her community.

Drawing on their passion for the environment - and love of carnivals - the girls first conceived of the Recycling Fair in the spring of last year and quickly set off to make their concept a reality. They organized and planned the event and contacted companies and other organizations to invite participation. As event hosts, the troop is also funding the fair with proceeds from their Girl Scout cookie sales and the additional help of sponsors in the community.

“This project helped me learn how to set and meet deadlines,” says 13 year old Sanjana Agarwal, “and coordinate and lead a team.”

Fellow cadette Shefali Goel adds, “It gave me an opportunity to be an organized leader and present myself in a professional manner to community partners.”

One such partner is the Terra Linda neighborhood sustainability group CUE: Conservation, Us and the Environment. This year, CUE will stage its annual Sustainability Fair alongside the Recycling Fair and will feature booths on clean energy, alternative transportation options, and more. Other participants will include Master Recyclers, Master Gardeners, and Sherwin-Williams, who will be accepting household paint for recycling. In addition, the troop will be accepting Styrofoam and used crayons for recycling.

Thanks to the additional support from Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District, who sponsors the Cedar Mill Farmers’ Market, Paulson’s Floor Covering, Pip’s Frozen Yogurt, Barnes Road Chiropractic and Home Depot, the Recycling and Sustainability Fair is open to the public and free.

“We have a lot to accomplish for a successful fair, but one girl can do more than you might imagine,” says 13 year old Katie Kwan, project manager of the upcoming fair. “It’ll definitely be worth it when families can come to this fun and free event!” For more information, visit the Recycling and Sustainability Fair event on Facebook.